SALE Sharks' popular Aussie flanker Stu Pinkerton has flown home to Sydney and his replacement will fly in next week - from the same city!

The former star of the New South Wales Waratahs, who gave excellent service until he retired after the side's Heineken Cup victory over Leinster Lions in Dublin a week ago, is handing over to an up-and-coming Waratahs star.

Hugh Perrett, 21, who grew up watching Pinkerton in action, has had rave reviews in Australia but is looking to broaden his experience playing in the toughest domestic league in the world, the Zurich Premiership. The youngster, who has played for Australia's Sevens side, is 6ft 1in tall and weighs 15 stone. He said: "I see this as a great opportunity and I'm looking forward to the experience.

Delight

"I'm delighted to be joining a club where Stu was so happy. I grew up watching him play for the Waratahs and, as I got older, I ended up training with him."

He arrives next week in time to watch Sharks take on Biarritz Olympique in the Heineken Cup, a competition for which he won't be eligible unless Sharks advance beyond the pool stages.

Sale's next Premiership game is at Edgeley Park early next month against Leicester Tigers and that would give him a couple of weeks to settle in.

Coach Jim Mallinder said: "We have been very impressed by what we have seen on video."

Steve Diamond, the club's forwards' coach, added: "He is quick and has been picking up several man-of-the-match awards recently. He is keen to build on his experience and, while he has played for Australia at Sevens, he holds a British passport, giving him dual qualification."